1915 Imperial Unit Marked

This is a completely matching, 1915 Dated, DWM (Deutsche Waffen und Munitions Fabriken) WWI Imperial Luger with a matching magazine. This is chambered for 9mm and has a standard 4" barrel fixed sights and walnut grips. This WWI Luger manufactured for standard issue firearm to the German military. It then tells us it served in the very early Weimar armed forces. A very unique specimen in good condition with a lot of history in a 93 year old gun. (938)

The period between the end of World War I in 1918 and the rise of the Third Reich in 1933 was a time of tremendous transition and great change for the German military. This period saw the end of the Imperial German armed forces, the fall the of the Kaiserreich, the establishment of the Weimar Republic, the rise of numerous ad-hoc, volunteer, paramilitary, counter-revolutionary Freikorps units, and the formation of 3 major versions of the official German armed forces culminating in the Reichswehr that would become the Wehrmacht in 1935.


The barrel length is 4" (100mm) and is chambered for 9mm. The serial number appears on the front of the frame, on the left side of the receiver, on the side plate sear and trigger. This Luger is all matching including the magazine. This Luger bears a stock lug and a hold-open. It has the long sear and is unit marked.

The extractor is marked "Geladen" on the left side and the safety is marked "Gesichert" with the safe position being downward. The proof marks are the amazing story of this guns. Telling us the gun served in WWI and shows the honest wear from the Battlefield.

Serial number placement is in the military ("exposed") style. The thumb safety is marked "Gesichert" and extractor "Geladen." This example has all matching numbers. The barrel is numbered and proofed and matches the frame. The first toggle link is marked with the DWM monogram, and there is the "V" rear sight on the last toggle link.

Battlefield use of the Parabellum. This shows how the gun was carried and how they used their firearms. Note the lanyards on both uses.

On March 6th, 1919 a new German armed forces was formed through official German decree known as the Vorläufige Reichswehr, or Provisional German Defense Force. The Provisional German Defense Force consisted of the Vorläufige Reichsheer and the Vorläufige Reichsmarine. Many Freikorp units served partly or entirely as the basis of the Vorläufige Reichsheer which consisted of about 400,000 men in nearly 50 Brigade sized units.


This 9mm weapon with all the matching parts is marked in the military manner (exposed). The barrel is 100mm (4") and it has the "V" rear sight on the rear toggle. The Imperial proofs are well struck and tell the story of the gun. The barrel inside is shiny with distinctive lands and grooves. The magazine is clean and grips match the gun.

	Thumb Safety Shows the Serial Number (Matching 26)
There are what appear to be pre-1922 "provisional Reichswehr" [Vorläufige Reichswehr], marking on the front grip strap applied before the "official" marking patterns were established. It is reported to represent the 3rd Company, 3rd Infantry Regiment Weapon #13. The 1360 probably applies to a later weapon number which is marked 1360 on the rear of the receiver. We have only seen one other gun marked likewise on the rear of the receiver.

On June 28th, 1919, Germany signed the formal Peace Treaty sealing the previous armistice of November 11th - this was the well known Treaty of Versailles. According to the treaty Germany was allowed a standing armed forces of 100,000 men. This new and highly regulated force was to be known simply as the Reichswehr which was officially formed on January 1st, 1921. It consisted of the newly named Reichsmarine and Reichsheer. The Reichsheer consisted of 2 Group Commands, 7 Infantry Divisions and 3 Cavalry Divisions. The Reichswehr and Reichsmarine would exist until 1935 when the WWII-era Wehrmacht was formed.


The inside of the gun is clean and well cared for. The exterior shows honest wear on the muzzle, barrel and high points on the sides. The barrel is shiny and shows distinct lands and grooves.

The barrel and the receive are marked with the full serial number and suffix. Additionally there is 8.82 reflected on the barrel which was the proof marking of land diameter of the barrel. The grooves designed to be 9mm. The Luger has all matching numbers including the magazine. The magazine is wood based, numbered to the gun. The magazine is clean. This Luger shows characteristic holster wear on the side plate and front exposed edges of the rails and end of the barrel.

On the right side of the receiver are the production proofs of DWM and the DWM military acceptance stamp including the test proof on the barrel. While the quality of the guns finish was not to pre-war standards they were still expertly fitted and the finish was excellent. The Army Test proof was applied to the right receiver, the barrel and left breechblock.

Above All the proofs are finely struck and all the serial numbers match. The Imperial Crown proofs appear on the right side of the gun and on the barrel.

This is a excellent example of the 1914 Model Parabellum that was 1915 Chamber dated for the Imperial Army. 1915 dates are difficult to find and this one is worth collectible. We reserve the right to withdraw any firearm from an auction site that is sold over the counter. Questions to: josef@phoenixinvestmentarms.com. This weapon is designated as a Curios and Relic (C&R) and be sent to those licensed persons. This Luger is offered for $3,295.00 over-the-counter.

LAYAWAYS: Sometimes our "significant other" doesn't understand the beauty, craftsmanship and investment potential of one of these investor grade weapons. In these circumstances where discretion becomes the better part of valor we will accept layaways of up to one year with at least 20% down and some activity occurring monthly to insure that after one year the sale is completed. Cancellations of layaways forfeit 33% if done within two months, otherwise 100%. You can transfer a layaway to a consignment sale at any time. See "Legal" for exact terms.

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3 Day Return Policy

We honor a three day return policy. We will answer any questions, send you any pictures, as detailed as you want, to insure that what we are showing you is what you want to see, before you buy it. See Legal.

FIRING ANY WEAPON NEGATES ANY CHANCE OF RETURN!

WARNING: We do not represent these guns as safe to fire. They are not test fired before sale; they are sold as collectibles only. Prior to firing you should have it inspected by a qualified individual and abide by all safety requirements.

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